Four takeaways from AFC Wimbledon’s 2-0 victory over Gillingham: That winning feeling is finally back

The matchday programme declared a new era after last season’s disappointing relegation from League One with familiar opposition in Gillingham welcomed to Plough Lane on the first day.

New manager Johnnie Jackson has rung the changes with a much more experienced and secure back three in front of keeper Nick Tzanev created a base to work from that as the match progressed saw confidence grow and individual players shine with many making full debuts of which they will forever be proud.

At one extreme you had Chris Gunter, an experienced international player and at the other Jack Currie fresh out of the youth team, who has been on loan at Eastbourne and matured into an accomplished player.

Both will be delighted with their respective debut performances as will the much talked about Paris Maghoma, who looks a terrific loan from Brentford as he buzzed around midfield setting people free with short passes. One blemish in the penalty box saw a yellow card for simulation.

New captain Alex Pearce is a completely calming influence and an absolute rock in the middle of defence. Clearing headers, mopping up passes and feeding the creative players.

Then take in the supporters, who had witnessed 27 league matches without a win – they were tense to begin with with, but after Lee Brown had pinged in a corner on 15 minutes, which was half cleared, there was Ethan Chislett to hit home a 20-yard shot to put Wimbledon 1-0 up.

There was an almighty roar as though there had been a collective holding of breath, and that pent up emotion was released. Plough Lane was rocking.

The goal saw Maghoma take charge in midfield. He collected the ball with Gillingham players all around – twisted and turned and in an instant he was free. He did this time and again and always finding another blue shirt, often another debutant in attack, Josh Davison.

The second goal owed much to Will Nightingale lofting in a far post cross and Currie having the belief that he would connect with the ball, rather than defender Cheye Alexander.  His header made it 2-0 in the 71st minute.

Last season there would have been the worry of a goal back, but not on Saturday. By the way, the 7,752 attendance beat that of the opening day last season at home to Bolton.

Here are Laurence Lowne’s four takeaways.

THE TEAM HAVE PURPOSE AGAIN

They cemented that with the fans through this 2-0 win, removing that lengthy non-winning record on the first day of the season. It looks like a solid backline will be complemented by midfielders and wing-backs ready to score goals. Once the forward line is unlocked, there could well be plenty of goals.

EXPERIENCE COUNTS

The average age of the team has risen from 22 to 26, and those extra hundreds of games played by the likes of Pearce, Gunter and Brown are really important to help bring through the best in the youngsters and guide them.

Keep them fit, and Wimbledon will have a much better season.

REF WAS A LITTLE INCONSISTENT

Simon Mather took charge of the match last season, which saw 14 yellow and one red card dished out when Wimbledon drew at home to Sunderland. Once again he was showing plenty of yellows. Eight in a niggly game where both sides had been relegated and players were looking to make a positive impression upon their respective managers. Mr Mather was at times too hasty to show the yellow, and when a quiet word may well have been better?

WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

That’s what AFC Wimbledon supporters asked each other. It had been so long, since victory had been enjoyed but it felt so good. There were smiles everywhere. Man of the Match Jack Currie had a super time with supporters post-match at the presentation.

Next week, the first of the long distance northern games is carded in Hartlepool.

Will manager Johnnie Jackson have a different approach for away matches? Or will he trust his experienced players to keep the shape upon which this most satisfying victory was achieved?

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD AND LUCY DIXON